Quick Facts on Elisa

Characteristics of Elisa

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Etymology & Historical Origin - Elisa

Elisa is a pet form of Elisabeth used primarily by Germans, Italians, English, Spanish and Portuguese. The French use it too, but more commonly as Élise. The medieval favorite Elisabeth has spawned numerous pet forms and diminutives over the centuries. Elisa is just one of the many examples. Elisabeth became an important name in the Middle Ages, popularized mainly by the French, at a time when Biblical and saint names were used for children as a protective measure. Elizabeth is an important Christian name found in the New Testament as the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57). God delivered John unto Elizabeth even though she was barren and well past childbearing years. The name is essentially Greek (Elisabet) from the Hebrew (Elisheva) meaning “God is my oath." Elizabeth became popularized during the late medieval period as a given name, mostly influenced by two saints – St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Elizabeth of Portugal (see the Elizabeth page under historical references for more information on these two illustrious saints). The English generally used Elizabeth with a “z” in their spelling of the name so Eliza became the more popular pet form in English-speaking nations. Elisabeth with an “s” was common in the rest of Europe but the Spanish used Isabella. Elisa is now an independently given name in its own right and ranked high in Italy, Belgium, France, Austria and the Netherlands.

Popularity of the Name Elisa

Elisa has maintained a position on the American female naming charts since 1880 which is the first year the U.S. government began tracking naming trends. At the turn of the 20th century, more than 100 years ago, Elisa was a low ranking name (Eliza was usually preferred). Although Elisa has never managed to achieve a spot higher than #312 on the popularity charts (1981), she has still held her own continuously for over a century. Today the name is still only used with pretty low moderation. However, in 2010, the name saw a sudden increase on the charts (141 positions in one year). This abrupt jump in usage was influenced by Spanish-speaking American parents who found themselves enjoying “¿Dónde Está Elisa?” a new Telemundo Spanish-language network telenovela which began airing in March 2010. We suspect that Elisa’s usage in the United States is primarily fueled by the Latino-American population, but it is one of the more cosmopolitan short forms of Elizabeth in use today. It’s currently used all over Europe – and who can blame them; it’s such a pretty name!

Popularity of the Girl Name Elisa

You need Adobe Flash Player 6 (or above) to view the charts. It is a free and lightweight installation from Adobe.com. Please click here to install the same.

Cultural References to the Baby Name - Elisa

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Elisa

Elisa We cannot find any significant literary characters with the first name Elisa.

Popular Songs on Elisa

Elisa - a song by Slick Shoes

Elisa - a song by The Bee Gees

Children's Books on the Baby Name Elisa

E Is for Elisa (Johanna Hurwitz) - "Crybaby, Crybaby!" That's what Russell calls Elisa whenever she gets upset, and she hates it. Elisa does get frustrated sometimes, like when she can't wear her favorite red shirt to school. But that doesn't mean she can't do other things, like trade her mittens for a tooth so that the tooth fairy will come sooner, or have a beach party in the middle of winter! Recommended for ages 6-8.

Elisa in the Middle (Johanna Hurwitz) - Elisa's always ready to play games with her older brother Russell. She even lets Russell decide which ones. And she tries to be helpful, too. But sometimes Elisa's helping out doesn't go exactly as planned-like when she helps Russell "ketchup" on his homework or gives his fish a bubble bath. Can she find a way to make it up to him? "Should delight kids who want to visit more with Russell's family." Says Booklist. Recommended for ages 6-8.

Elisa Michaels, Bigger & Better (Johanna Hurwitz) - Now that Elisa's in second grade, she's taking charge of whatever comes her way -- from a baby-sitter who doesn't know how to change a diaper to an airplane trip without her parents. Of course, it's not easy taking charge when your big brother thinks you're too little and your little brother runs amok! But Elisa is determined to make everything work out in the end. And what better way to celebrate being seven and a half than a day of eating nothing but chocolate. Chocolate cookies, chocolate milk, chocolate bars…chocolate and more chocolate, from morning to night. Recommended for ages 6-8.

Elisa the Monster Hunter: The Search for Sasquatch (David Herstad) - Elisa Carlson was bitten by the Bigfoot bug at a young age. Reading all she could on the topic she decides to join the search for the ever elusive beast. After her 12th birthday the chance arises for her to begin. Her brother Max joins her in the Pacific Northwoods searching an area in Oregon where a local deputy has spotted the creature. The adventure begins along the Columbia River where the pair make new friends. During their search the group of young teens experience the highs and lows of searching the dense forest for a creature that may or may not exist. Suffering through falls, aches, pains and funtimes will Elisa find the mysterious Bigfoot? Kindle edition. Recommended for ages 10-14.

Ever-Clever Elisa (Johanna Hurwitz) - Finally...first grade! Elisa is finally in a grade with a number -- just like her big brother, Russell. Elisa is old enough to take piano lessons, lose a tooth, or make a special Mother's Day breakfast. Sometimes Russell treats her like a baby, but Elisa is making big plans! Recommended for ages 6-8.

Summer with Elisa (Johanna Hurwitz) - Now that she's done with first grade, Elisa has lots of time to prove she can do anything her older brother, Russell, can do. With the family's big vacation coming up, Elisa finds plenty of ways to show Russell that just because he's older, doesn't mean he's better. But topping Russell is one thing. What will happen when it's up to Elisa to save the day for the whole family? Recommended for ages 6-8.

Elisa - Girl Baby Name - Historic Figures

Search Baby Names

Personality of the Girl Name Elisa

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged. They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.